Treatment

Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues. When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and eventually, the bone that supports the teeth!

If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended. You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended. It is usually done one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb. In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing). This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink. Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric tooth brush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.

If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean. Your dentist may also recommend that you see a Periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone).

Testimonials

I write in appreciation of Dr. Alter to whom my wife and I have been going for many years. He is the finest dentist I have been to. He is gentle, conservative in his treatments and technically brilliant. Where necessary, he refers patients to a great network of other dentists for specialty work. He often contacts me to see how problem teeth are getting along which shows how much he cares for his patients. He is very funny and interesting which makes visits a double pleasure!

Garth S.

“As a terrified product of the worst of British dentistry I first went to Steve in the mid 80's. Nobody else has touched my teeth since ... nor will they. He completely cured me of my fear of dentists - and I still have most of my teeth! I can think of no better endorsement.”